Maths

INTENT

At West Borough Primary School, we believe that all children can achieve and be successful in mathematics. Our curriculum is designed to develop confident, resilient mathematicians who are able to apply their knowledge and skills across a range of contexts and recognise the importance of mathematics in everyday life.

As a school committed to Teaching for Mastery principles, we work closely with our local Maths Hub to ensure that mathematics is taught through carefully sequenced small steps that enable all pupils to develop deep conceptual understanding. West Borough Primary School is recognised as an LLME (Local Leader of Mathematics Education) school and actively contributes to the development of mathematics teaching beyond our own setting through collaboration with the Maths Hub and local schools. This enables us to remain at the forefront of current research, high-quality professional development and best practice in mathematics teaching.

Fluency, reasoning and problem solving are at the heart of our curriculum, alongside a curiosity and enjoyment of the subject. We aim for pupils to become confident in articulating their mathematical thinking using accurate mathematical vocabulary and to make meaningful connections between different areas of mathematics.

Through the careful use of mathematical resources, representations and images, pupils develop a secure understanding of mathematical concepts which can then be applied flexibly and confidently. Teachers select appropriate concrete resources, pictorial representations and abstract methods to make mathematical structures visible and deepen pupils’ conceptual understanding.

Our curriculum is ambitious for all learners. Through adaptive teaching, all pupils, including those with SEND and disadvantaged pupils, access the same curriculum and are supported to achieve success. We strive to develop positive attitudes towards mathematics and foster a belief that every child can succeed.

Through mathematics, pupils learn to embrace challenge, develop resilience when faced with misconceptions and take responsibility for their own learning, reflecting the core values of West Borough Primary School: Be Kind, Be Safe, Be Responsible and Embrace Challenge. We aim to develop confident learners who are willing to take risks, learn from mistakes and persevere in solving increasingly complex mathematical problems.

IMPLEMENTATION

Mathematics is taught daily throughout the school and follows a mastery approach with fidelity to the White Rose Maths Scheme of Learning. Lessons are carefully structured to build upon prior learning through small, coherent steps, ensuring progression and depth of understanding.

Mathematics is taught through a Teaching for Mastery approach, where all pupils access the same learning journey and work towards the same ambitious learning objective. We believe that all children can achieve in mathematics and are committed to ensuring that pupils keep up rather than catch up. Learning is broken down into small, carefully sequenced steps, allowing pupils to develop secure conceptual understanding before moving on. Once pupils have grasped a concept, they are given opportunities to dig deeper through rich reasoning, problem-solving and investigative tasks that extend their thinking whilst remaining connected to the same core learning.

Teachers use a range of carefully chosen resources, representations and mathematical structures to introduce and develop new concepts. Manipulatives, visual models and abstract methods are used purposefully to support pupils in making connections, recognising patterns and developing deep conceptual understanding. Opportunities for fluency, reasoning and problem solving are embedded within lessons, allowing pupils to explain their thinking, justify their answers and make connections between mathematical concepts.

Across the school, lessons incorporate regular retrieval practice and flashback learning to strengthen long-term memory and revisit previously taught knowledge. Mathematical vocabulary is explicitly taught and modelled across all year groups. Oracy is embedded throughout mathematics lessons, with pupils encouraged to explain, justify and refine their thinking through structured mathematical discussion. This deepens understanding whilst developing confidence and precision in communication.

Teachers use ongoing formative assessment throughout lessons to identify misconceptions and respond quickly to pupils’ needs. Where additional support is required, same-day Rapid Recall interventions are used to address misconceptions and strengthen understanding before further learning takes place. This ensures that pupils are able to remain part of the whole-class learning journey and continue to make strong progress alongside their peers.

To develop strong number sense, pupils in EYFS and Key Stage 1 participate in the Mastering Number programme. In Key Stage 2, Mastering Number continues to support the development of fluency and confidence with multiplication and division facts. Times tables are taught progressively through a structured approach, supported by Times Tables Rock Stars and other resources.

Learning opportunities are linked to real-life contexts wherever possible so that pupils understand the relevance and application of mathematics beyond the classroom and can see how mathematics supports future learning, careers and everyday life.

IMPACT

By the time pupils leave West Borough Primary School, they are fluent in key mathematical facts and procedures and can apply their knowledge confidently across a range of contexts. They are able to reason mathematically, explain their thinking using appropriate mathematical vocabulary and solve problems with increasing independence.

Pupils demonstrate resilience, confidence and a positive attitude towards mathematics. They are able to embrace challenge, learn from mistakes and persevere when tackling unfamiliar concepts and problems. They understand the relevance of mathematics in everyday life and are well prepared for the next stage of their education.

As a result of our Teaching for Mastery approach, pupils develop a deep and secure understanding of mathematical concepts rather than relying on procedures alone. They are able to make connections across different areas of mathematics, think critically and apply their learning in a range of contexts.

The impact of the curriculum is evidenced through ongoing formative and summative assessment, pupil outcomes, lesson observations, book scrutiny, pupil voice and subject monitoring. Children demonstrate pride in their learning, increasing independence and sophisticated mathematical understanding as they progress through the school.